Matthijs de Ligt's next move could be the biggest in his career.
After making the switch from Ajax to Juventus as a youngster in 2019, who had the potential to be the best in the world, it was a bold move for the Netherlands international to make. And despite initial success in Turin, recent seasons have seen the well dry up in relation to trophy-winning for the Old Lady. Indifferent seasons under Andrea Pirlo and Maurizio Sarri, respectively, saw Juventus drop off, and both the Milan clubs takeover in the Serie A title race.
Max Allegri's side have not only just fallen off the pace in domestic competitions, but their Champions League form leaves a lot to be desired. Their stunting on the big stage was there for all to see when Chelsea comprehensively defeated Juve by a four-goal margin in the 2021/22 group stage affair in west London. Not to mention the embarrassing exit at the hands of Villarreal and Unai Emery.
READ MORE: Chelsea given summer transfer boost as Juventus eye Matthijs de Ligt replacement
This has all culminated to Juve's number 4 deciding he needs to move on to keep his standards high, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich actively vying for his signature.
Thomas Tuchel, who is reportedly obsessed with the prospect of signing the 22-year-old, has led the Blues; interest in de Ligt and initially, it seemed as though he would be getting a straight run in trying to sign the man with a £103m release clause in his contract.
However, in recent times, the Bavarians have now entered the market looking for more experienced options at central defence, and this has certainly thrown a spanner in the works for the current World Champions.
"We're happy with the quality we have at centre-back. But we can improve when it comes to leadership, loudness and presence," director Oliver Kahn told Kicker.
Amid different suggestions that his preference fluctuates between the two clubs, the cold and harsh facts currently are that neither Chelsea nor Bayern have submitted official offers to Juventus. A man they saw as their Giorgio Chiellini heir, with the Italian icon now plying his trade in the MLS from 2022/23 onwards.
football.london understands that Chelsea held talks with Juventus over de Ligt, but Bayern have now firmly entered the race. No bid from Chelsea yet. The west Londoners may need to hurry if they are to get their aim of two signings done before they head to the US tour in July. With Raheem Sterling seemingly one of them after personal terms were agreed on Wednesday, will the former Ajax prodigy be the other?
Well, if the latest hints are anything to go by, It certainly isn't looking good for Tuchel as a family member of the defender in question has dropped a revealing social media hint that may already hint at a preference on the player's side.
This is because Frank de Ligt has gone on a following spree on his Twitter, and the recent accounts that he has followed all have a German connection to them. It must be said, however, that his son has followed a significant number of Chelsea players on social media, including Malang Sarr, so it may not prove to be too significant in the long run.
Chelsea fans- Who would you want to see signed if Matthijs de Ligt was to choose Bayern Munich over Chelsea? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
Cristiano Ronaldo to Chelsea transfer backed as Raheem Sterling warning dealt to Manchester City
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from Stamford Bridge
Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Raheem Sterling, Raphinha: Thomas Tuchel's best Chelsea attack after dream £100m transfer swoop
Matthijs de Ligt reaches £65m Chelsea transfer verdict as Bayern Munich plot late hijacking
